As we move into the 2023/24 winter season, we want to update everyone about snow removal operations, status of our snow removal contracts and parking your car during storms.
Status of snow removal contracts
This year, as many of you may be aware, the District’s largest snow removal customer KMA HOA decided not to continue snow removal services with this District. Unfortunately, this decision impacts the whole community financially since the District has, for years, created a snow removal business model where we can lower the overall costs for capital and operational expenses by having a large volume of customers to serve.
Once we learned this news, the District took steps to reduce our overall costs and operational expenses, as much as possible, without impacting service to the rest of you. You also might wonder if the District can offset the loss of KMA HOA revenue with more property taxes? The answer is no, this is not possible because property taxes may only be used for Government Funds or Enterprise Funds such as General and Administrative costs, Fire Department, or utilities.
Bottom line, snow removal contracts have been sent to all participating HOA’s and these contracts are significantly higher due to the departure of KMA HOA .
Sign up for Snow Status Notifications and use the optional Residency Notifications for houses with driveways in East Meadows, Juniper Ridge and Palisades
During the snow removal period from October 15 through May 15, you can receive a text and/or email explaining the plans for snow removal on days when the operators are plowing. This message is sent after 8AM. Please be aware that we are no longer sending plow completion notifications via text/email. Snow Status Notifications are replacing that option.
Choose your Snow Status Notification Preference (email and/or text) and the frequency of notices (daily or only when in residence)
Click Change Notifications
The KMPUD has a snow removal residency system to advise the snow removal operators of occupied residences so they are aware of which homes are occupied on a particular day. Every day, between 4:00 and 7:00am a Residency List will be generated and distributed to the snow removal operators.
In order to be included in the Residency List the next time you, or your guests, plan to be in residence at your Kirkwood home:
Select your Arrival Date and your Departure Date. You must input plans at least 24 hours before your planned arrival. Note that the system will limit your arrival date choices from the next day up to 20 days in advance. Your departure date can be up to 20 days in advance.
Click Set Notification
If your arrival date changes, you can cancel the notification and then enter new dates. If you want to change or extend your departure date, there is an option to select a new departure date up to 20 days in the future.
If you have any questions on how to log a notification or need help setting up your account, please contact our office at 209-258-4444.
What should I expect in a severe storm?
Kirkwood can experience severe storms where the rate of snowfall exceeds the ability of District equipment and Staff to remove it. During such extreme conditions, Snow Removal Operators will implement emergency plowing and use all available equipment and staff to help clear the roadways to maintain at least one lane width for emergency access. After roads are clear, Staff will begin to focus on clearing occupied residences and parking pads. During severe storm events it is imperative that you mark your vehicle with orange snow stakes as vehicles can become completely buried overnight. Snow stakes are for sale at the District office for $10 each, while supplies last; call the District office at (209) 258-4444 to arrange purchase. Please refer to the Winter Parking Advisory information below for a complete guide on how to park your car during and after a storm.
Winter Parking Advisory
Avoid parking on the street. Park in your driveway or paved parking pads. If you MUST park on the street overnight because there is no space for you in your driveway or on a parking pad, plan on moving your vehicle as soon as possible the following morning.
If you MUST park on the street during a storm, stake the four corners of your vehicle with orange snow stakes; these will be easiest for Operators to see in the dark in a blizzard (see picture of a properly staked vehicle below).
When you park on a paved parking pad, be sure to pull in so that your entire vehicle is past the snow stake line. This is an imaginary line passing between the snow stakes that District Staff have placed on the sides of the street to guide the Snow Removal Operators.
Whether you parked on a paved parking pad or in your driveway, please dig your vehicle out and move it within 24-hours after a storm so that the Operators can clear the parking pads and your driveway.
Snow Removal Equipment
Snow removal equipment is dangerous! Please stay away! Always assume that Operators can’t see you, your children, your pets, or your cars. Please do not approach the equipment or block an Operator with your car. If you need to communicate any questions or concerns, the only safe, appropriate way do so is to call the District office at (209) 258-4444. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM. If calling after hours, leave a message and our Customer Service Staff will return your call and address your concern as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District P.O. Box 247, 33540 Loop Road Kirkwood, CA
East Meadows Homeowners Association 